Lessons Learned in the Online Classroom That Increase Workplace Skill Sets

Many adult learners desire to enroll in an online class or degree because they need the convenience and flexibility; whether it is the working professional with scheduling constraints, or the stay-at-home mom without a daytime babysitter. Postsecondary institutions are keeping pace to meet the growing educational needs of adult students, expanding the number of online degree offerings. Topics extend from business and health science degree programs to fields as diverse as landscaping and homeland security. And the online platform for learning is nearly as diverse, extending from virtual classrooms with a set meeting time to asynchronous courses that can be completed at a time of your choosing. Certainly students enroll in online programs to learn a new skill or earn a degree. However beyond mere content, the successful completion of online classes also teach us valuable lessons that transfer directly to the workplace. Lesson One: Time management skills rise to new heights as students successfully progress through asynchronous coursework. The mention of time management is always an asset on a job resume. While asynchronous classes offer flexibility, actual course assignment deadlines are often less flexible. At times, professors teaching on-campus traditional classes will adjust syllabi deadlines, due to the unexpected cancellation of classes or other such circumstances. Professors teaching online classes are less likely to adjust deadlines since there are no set meeting times or the possibility of cancelled classes. Students taking online classes often do so because of other commitments that conflict with on-campus classes. With added responsibilities, students that manage time wisely are better at completing numerous tasks in high demand job roles. Timed online computer tests force students to do their best work under pressure. This learned skill is a bonus that can be put into practice when the boss needs a job completed by noon, or delivers a stack of last-minute paperwork that needs to be completed immediately. Lesson Two: Self-motivation is key to completing assignments and staying focused. It is synonymous with the term "good work ethic." Online classes challenge our willpower to stay focused and complete coursework. The task to study is even harder after a long day of work when we are tempted to relax in front of the television with other household members. It is much easier to remain motivated in week one of the semester. With each passing week, sitting alone with your laptop each night at the kitchen table becomes a challenge, and then a victory when you pass the class. Lesson Three: Students acquire a number of Internet skills that follow them beyond the classroom. Creating compatible documents, attaching assignments, adding graphics, maneuvering through Blackboard Learn, logging into virtual classrooms, and downloading podcasts require know-how beyond typical web browsing. Each online class is unique, and with each additional online class, technological repertoires are likely to grow. Murphy's laws are the reason that technology failures go hand-in-hand with procrastination. Solving late night tech crises teach individuals lessons in how to better avoid future computer glitches. Social media skills may be more fully developed as students network with peers and professors, increasing the number of LinkedIn connections. Lesson Four: Effective communication and computer etiquette is a must for participation in the classroom and teamwork in the boardroom. Discussion boards are intended to simulate in-class face-to-face discussions. Effective communication skills are a must when defending arguments that are not accompanied by emotion or vocal tones. Contacting professors and working professionals via email requires a more formal writing style than sending out tweets or sharing Facebook posts. Lesson Five: Independent learning requires better comprehension and the need to critically think - core components for reducing the learning curve of a new job. Online learning necessitates that students independently learn new skills by reading textbooks and surfing the Internet for explanations about confusing passages. Studying for exams without the aid of a study group or in-class review session allows students to develop study habits that best match their learning styles.